ABSTRACT
This chapter is underpinned by the thesis that the gradual disengagement by the British Empire from its former dominions, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, was seen as a threat by social actors in these countries. In view of “new” concepts of identity, it is striking that biculturalism, multiculturalism, and the identification with the native heritage and the indigenous peoples were increasingly implemented in the public discourse by cultural and political actors precisely at the moment when former notions of identity were being questioned. Indigenous movements in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, influenced by the civil rights movement in the USA, contributed to the deconstruction of old memoria, and national narratives of success. In view of knowledge and memoria practices it is noteworthy that the concept of a “new”, pluralistic identity and the corresponding historical awareness was literally driven through Canada.
